We all know Lee Cattermole as the combative, tough-tackling midfielder. Some may also be aware of his excellent passing ability. One pundit said that if the likes of Glenn Hoddle passed a ball like Cattermole, people would be raving.

However, few will associate the Sunderland player as a goalscorer. This season, manager Jack Ross has urged his midfielder to get into forward positions more frequently. It has worked. Cattermole, by some way, is currently having the best scoring season of his career.

Lee Cattermole: Goal Machine

No More ‘Clattermole’?

Over the years Cattermole had, by many, been known as ‘Lee Clattermole’. This was due to his no-nonsense, take no prisoners tackling. His style also brought its fair share of yellow and red cards.

For many years, Cattermole has, somewhat unfairly been seen as an ill-disciplined player who could collect more points due to cards received than his team would via wins. His reputation stuck with many.

He is always likely to collect yellow cards in the defensive midfield role he plays; however, his last red card was back in 2013. Tackling and passion are a big part of his game. To try and take this away would make him less of a player and far less effective on the field. However, this season he has been adding a further string to his bow.

Urged to get Forward

Always known as a sitting midfielder, Cattermole’s career goal return suggests his unwillingness to get forward. His game has been more of a protector than a scorer. He has always had a willingness to get forward but his attributes led to managers keeping him on a short leash. Until this season.

“He has a hunger to get on the end of things in the box and he has the ability to finish as well. I think Lee is more than capable of getting goals. I mentioned when I first started playing him and Grant Leadbitter together that there was maybe this misconception that Lee was just a sitting midfielder, when actually he has got a willingness to get into the box.” – Manager Jack Ross.

Reaping the Rewards

Six goals this season, including three in his last four home games have seen the 31-year-old reaping the rewards. Cattermole has been at Sunderland since 2009; however, his first home goal didn’t come until February this year. Another two home goals quickly followed. His goals this season have contributed to almost half of his career goals to date.

Sunderland are in a battle at the top of League One. They need players giving their all. Lee Cattermole has always had the passion and commitment needed in any team. Now, with his goals, he is helping his team in a way that few would have thought. At last, Cattermole is not just known to many as a dirty midfielder. His all-round game has improved and long may it continue.

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